Issaquah Highlands is buzzing with several major developments that will significantly enhance our community’s infrastructure and growth in the coming years.
IHIF Commercial Breaks Ground
IHIF Commercial, LLC (also known as Shelter Holdings) is officially breaking ground on the 21.5-acre “L” shaped area at Ninth Avenue and Discovery Drive this spring. This development—located east of the Westridge and West Highlands Park neighborhoods—is poised to bring new businesses and services to the area, contributing to our growing commercial landscape in Issaquah Highlands.
In the coming months, residents will see construction progress that includes surveying for underground work, equipment mobilization, traffic control set-up and erosion control measures. Stay updated for road and infrastructure improvements at ihifcommercial.com as the project moves forward.
IHIF Commercial will begin phase one of construction in the “L” shaped area at Ninth Avenue and Discovery Drive in spring 2025. Photo courtesy of IHIF Commercial.
Lakeside Industries Redevelopment
Lakeside Industries is gearing up for an ambitious redevelopment project spanning approximately 30 acres to the west of the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride. The company, which has operated in the area since 1995, is transforming its underutilized land into a mixed-use development for the community to live, work and recreate.
The new development will include 1,400 rental units, 100,000 square feet of commercial space, and extensive public open spaces with trails and bike loops. Construction is expected to begin in 2025–26.
The property sits just outside of the Issaquah Highlands boundaries, so the new development is not subject to IHCA rules and regulations, architectural requirements or the Covenant for Community.
Next Steps for Bellevue College Parcel
Last summer, Bellevue College commissioned a study by Emerald Initiatives to explore future development options for its property along College Drive between Central Park and the Forest Ridge neighborhood in Issaquah Highlands. Originally intended for an “East Campus,” the idea of building a full campus has become less practical over time due to costs.
With the current development agreement expiring in 2025, Bellevue College is working with the City of Issaquah to decide on the best path forward. The study explored different possibilities, and one recommendation is to lease the land to a residential developer rather than sell it. This would allow the college to generate steady revenue while keeping long-term control of the property.
Bellevue College is currently in discussions with the city and potential developers to assess market interest and explore options that could include residential, retail or community spaces.
As published in the spring issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
